The Brief: During the Vice Presidential debate, Kamala Harris repeatedly said "I'm speaking" to Mike Pence while he was interrupting her, inspiring reactions, memes, and merch.

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DEEP DIVE

“I’m speaking” Kamala Harris memes refer to the Senator’s repeated assertions that she had the floor during the October 7th debate with current Vice President Mike Pence. While the VP debate was decidedly more civil than the presidential debate between Biden and Trump, there were moments where the vice-presidential candidates were speaking over each other as well. Senator Harris’ simple and firm statement that “I’m speaking” resonated for many women and Black women, in particular, who are familiar with the experience of men speaking over them and having their words go unheard.

During the debate, as people reacted on social media, in group texts, and beyond, to Kamala Harris’ comments, it quickly became a catchphrase. Many women tweeted and commented about how the senator’s refusal to be interrupted represented a satisfying jab at the patriarchy. Memes celebrating this relatable and poignant phrase started spreading almost immediately after Senator Harris said it.

A connection between Kamala Harris’ “I’m speaking” and Biden’s “will you shut up, man,” which also became a meme:

“I’m speaking” t-shirts, bumper stickers, and other merch are already being sold across the web.

A nod to the fly that landed on Mike Pence’s head:

We’re waiting for the iMarkkeys remix